Carbon Black | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

Carbon Black | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

The colour Carbon Black, often referred to as Lamp Black, is an inky pigment with prehistoric roots. Its early use in art dates to around 24,000-28,000 years ago, found in the detailed imagery of paleolithic sites such as Roucadour Cave in France. This pigment was originally obtained through controlled combustion practices, collecting the remains of burnt fat, oil, tar, resin or plant materials to create colourants. Along with red and yellow oxides, Carbon Black is one of the oldest pigments known to mankind. Its evolution can be traced through the associated name lampblack, a term referring to the dense residue of soot harvested from oil lamps since antiquity. Ancient Egyptians used this pigment in inks, embellishing tombs and murals over 4000 years ago, a testament to its permanence and durability.

While it boasts a distinguished history, modern artists often gravitate toward Ivory Black or Mars Black for their smoother handling and tonal qualities. Nonetheless, Carbon Black retains its charm, particularly for its high coverage power and unique interaction with white. When blended, it yields a cool, bluish-grey that adds a subtle, ethereal quality to works. Though no longer the dominant black in contemporary palettes, Carbon Black remains an essential reminder of art’s long evolution, serving as a fundamental tool for mark-making and storytelling since time immemorial.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse STUDIO Carbon Black (SDS)

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